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Mutahi Kagwe, the nominee for Agriculture and Livestock Development CS, stated that the national livestock vaccination program will remain voluntary if he is approved.
Speaking during his vetting on Tuesday, Kagwe explained that since cows and goats are privately owned, the government cannot mandate vaccinations. “The cow belongs to an individual, not the government, and the same goes for the goat. The choice is simple: if you have a goat and want it vaccinated against foot and mouth disease, we will vaccinate it. If you don’t, we won’t,” he said.
Kagwe also emphasized that the government will focus on educating stakeholders about the vaccination initiative, including where the vaccine is produced and its benefits. “The vaccination process addresses two diseases—PPR and Foot and Mouth Disease. It’s important to involve all stakeholders and explain that the vaccine is produced by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (Kevevapi) and its intended purpose,” he added.
Kagwe was the first nominee to appear for vetting, followed by William Kabogo, the ICT and Digital Economy nominee, and Lee Kinyanjui, the nominee for CS for Investments, Trade, and Industry. During the vetting, Kagwe answered questions from the committee, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, while outlining his plans for the ministry if approved.
